Municipal Monitor Report

Published on 28 April 2023

The Minister for Local Government has provided Darebin City Council with the final report from Municipal Monitor John Watson, following his tenure from April 2022 to January 2023.

In response to the report, the Minister was pleased that Council had made progress in introducing initiatives to foster good governance, which were observed by the Monitor during his time at Darebin.

Council’s financial sustainability and decision-making processes were featured in the report, as well as a recommendation for priority investment in technology. Pursuant to s175 of the Local Government Act 2020, the Minister has issued the following directions:

• Within the next four weeks, prepare and submit:
  • financial statements in respect of the period 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2022
  • a detailed financial projection for the next 10 years of the Council’s borrowing capacity and unrestricted cash, and
  • an action plan on how the Council proposes to address the financial sustainability issues contained in the final report;
• Provide quarterly reports on Council’s Good Governance Action Plan, and its progress towards completion; and
• Provide a report within 12 weeks about how Council intends to prioritise investment in information technology.

Darebin Mayor, Cr Julie Williams acknowledged the report and reassured the Minister that directions would be followed within the timeframes specified.

“We accept this report as an important opportunity to address the challenges highlighted by the Monitor’s report, and as a Council we are committed delivering the Good Governance Action Plan,” Cr Williams said.

“In terms of our financial sustainability, like many other Councils around Victoria, Darebin is also facing financial pressures, due to rising interest rates, rate capping and increasing community demand on our services.

“It’s a challenging time for the entire community, and we stand committed to respond positively to the findings ensure the health of our long-term financial position while ensuring the priority investments in areas of most need, such as technology.

“Finally, on behalf of Council, I’d like to thank John Watson for his support and guidance during his time at Darebin,” Cr Williams said.

Download the report to the Minister for Local Government.

Media contact

media@darebin.vic.gov.au